A SENIOR GMB shop steward at Nestl Rowntree is set to retire after 45 years with the company.

To commemorate the occasion, George Tutill has commissioned York artist Mark Braithwaite to paint the GMB National College in Manchester.

He will present the painting to the union's annual congress in Blackpool tomorrow.

George said: "It's an extremely proud moment for me to present such a magnificent painting to the GMB. It will be displayed at the college and serve as a reminder to others of the commitment of GMB representatives at Nestl Rowntree, both past and present."

Updated: 08:41 Tuesday, June 10, 2003